Abu Dhabi // The number of eligible voters for the coming Federal National Council elections has risen by two thirds from the 2011 polls.
The National Election Commission on Sunday announced that 224,279 Emiratis will be able to cast their votes on October 3, up 66 per cent from 135,308 at the last election.
Nationally, 67 per cent of those who can vote or stand as candidates are under the age of 40, and 48 per cent are women, a figure applauded by Dr Mona Al Bahar, a Dubai member of the most recent FNC.
“This is the gradual procedure that the Government promised and we are moving into this process very successfully,” Dr Al Bahar said.
“From one year to another we see change in the number of voters and see the change in the gender variation as well.”
Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and Chairman of the NEC, said the figures confirmed the leaders’ determination to promote political participation. It was a sentiment shared by Dr Al Bahar.
“If you see all previous polls, you can see a gradual increase in the number of voters,” she said.
“This shows the keenness of our wise leadership, who want the maximum number of people participating in the nation’s building process.”
The breakdown of eligible voters by emirate is: 90,408 from Abu Dhabi; 53,568 from Dubai; 31,766 from Sharjah; 27,455 from Ras Al Khaimah; 10,887 from Fujairah; 6,090 from Ajman; and 4,105 from Umm Al Quwain.
Dr Al Bahar said that the last election benefited from awareness campaigns and talks held across the country, which helped to boost voter numbers. “People and the electorate are more mature than before.”
Her fellow member Mohamed Al Qubaisi, of Abu Dhabi, said interest in the FNC would grow year on year.
“Our country is very young and the Government has been striving to gradually promote the culture of election and selecting a right candidate,” said Mr Al Qubaisi.
“All sections of the community are equally being promoted to participate in the electoral process.”
The increased number of voters is a step towards ensuring the FNC experience is more representative and closer to the issues and concerns of citizens, Dr Gargash said.
The country has adopted a gradual political approach to develop parliamentary experience, matching the unique cultural experience of the UAE community in all areas, he said.
Fujairah leads the way with younger voters, with 85 per cent of those eligible under the age of 40. Sharjah, Ajman and RAK follow with 70 per cent, while in UAQ, 69 per cent of voters are in that demographic. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have 67 and 59 per cent of their voters under 40.
The percentage of female voters rose from 46 per cent in 2011, but more than doubled from 2006 to 2011. Women outnumber men in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, at 53 and 51 per cent respectively.
This year, for the first time, early voting will be held on September 20 and 21 at UAE Embassies abroad. The election period will also be slightly longer than in 2011 – 25 days instead of 21 – from September 6 until September 30.
The NEC, Dr Gargash said, was keen to ensure the selection of active members who were able to research societal issues thoroughly and transparently, and find effective and appropriate solutions.
Each election brings a greater number of voters, confirming the keenness of the Rulers to enable citizens to play an active part in political development. This is in line with the empowerement programme launched by the President, Sheikh Khalifa, Dr Gargash said.
Candidates must stop campaigning two full days before election day. Those who wish to nominate themselves as candidates can do so from August 13.
The full electoral roll is available online from today at www.uaenec.ae and through the NEC smart app, available from the Apple Store and Google Play.
Citizens will be able to verify their names by putting in their Emirates ID number, their full name as mentioned on their ID, or the first three parts of their name.
They can also check by contacting the NEC call centre on 600500005, from 9am to 4pm and 9pm to midnight, or going to any of the NEC’s offices.
Citizens elect half the FNC members, with the remaining half nominated by the Rulers of each emirate.
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